The 1993 Mazda RX-7 Was a Beautifully Flawed Rotary Rocket

If you were a car enthusiast in the early ‘90s, then you very well may have had a poster of the 1993 Mazda RX-7 hanging somewhere in your room. It was sleek, aggressive, and packed a rotary engine that made it one of the most unique sports cars of its time. The third-generation RX-7 (FD3S) wasn’t just another vanilla performance car. Even today, it has a cult following among gear-heads who appreciate its lightweight design, near-perfect weight distribution, and high-revving turbocharged rotary powerplant.

For all the RX-7’s beauty and brilliance though, it came with its fair share of quirks and mechanical woes. So, let’s jump into what made the 1993 Mazda RX7 an automotive icon, as well as some of the reasons why it may not be for everyone.

What Made the 1993 Mazda RX-7 So Special?

• Rotary Engine Magic – The RX-7’s 1.3-liter twin-rotor 13B-REW engine was a work of engineering art. With sequential twin turbos, it produced 255 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque…impressive numbers for the early ‘90s. The rotary engine’s ability to rev effortlessly made for a thrilling driving experience.
• Featherweight Chassis – Weighing in at just around 2,800 pounds, the RX-7 was one of the lightest sports cars in its class. The lightweight chassis, paired with a nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution, made it a handling dream.
• Timeless Design – Even 30 years later, the RX7 FD’s curvaceous body and pop-up headlights look stunning. The design wasn’t just for show though as it was carefully aerodynamically sculpted for both beauty and performance.
• Impressive Driving Experience – The RX-7 was more than straight-line speed. It boasted a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension and offered its lucky drivers with a precise steering feel and connection to the road that few cars (of its time) could match.
• Tuned to Perfection – Mazda engineered the RX-7’s suspension, brakes, and turbocharging system to work in harmony. This was a car that rewarded skilled drivers (and punished the careless ones).

Where It Fell Short

• Rotary Engine Reliability Issues – The 13B-REW was as finicky as it was fascinating. Rotary engines burn oil by design, which means regular maintenance is crucial. Neglecting it could lead to catastrophic engine failure. Many RX7s didn’t survive past 100,000 miles without a complete engine rebuild.
• Turbocharger Heat Issues – Twin turbos were a technological marvel at the time, but they also created significant heat. Over time, they were prone to failure if not properly maintained.
• Fuel Economy – With an average of around 16 mpg, the RX7 wasn’t exactly frugal. For a lightweight sports car, it drank premium fuel like a full-size SUV.
• Cramped Interior – The RX-7 was an unapologetic driver-focused car, but comfort took a backseat…literally. The cabin was snug, and the tiny rear seats were about as useful as a third glove. Unless you’re a small child or a legless amputee, you’re not going to find any level of comfort back there.
• Pricey to Maintain – While the car itself wasn’t outrageously expensive when new (starting at around $33,000 in 1993), keeping it running properly required a steady flow of cash and mechanical know-how.

1993 Competitors: The RX-7’s Rivals

The early ‘90s were a golden era for Japanese performance cars. The RX-7 had some stiff competition, both from home and abroad.

• 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo – Armed with the now-legendary 2JZ-GTE engine, the MkIV Supra was a powerhouse. With 320 horsepower and bulletproof reliability, it was heavier than the RX-7 but significantly more tunable.
• 1993 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo – Another twin-turbo Japanese beast, the 300ZX packed 300 horsepower from its VG30DETT V6. It was a rather technological marvel but weighed significantly more than the RX-7.
• 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 – With AWD, twin turbos, and a 3.0-liter V6 producing 300 horsepower, the 3000GT was a straight-line monster. Its weight and complexity, however, made it feel less nimble than the RX-7.
• 1993 Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1 – American muscle met European refinement. The LT5 V8 in the ZR-1 made 405 horsepower, dwarfing the RX-7’s output. However, the RX7’s agility and lighter weight made it arguably more fun in the twisties.
• 1993 Porsche 968 – The RX7’s European rival from Stuttgart had a 3.0-liter inline-four making 236 horsepower, but it lacked the RX-7’s turbocharged punch and exotic feel.

Why the RX-7 Still Matters

Decades later, the 1993 Mazda RX-7 remains one of the most beloved sports cars in history. Its potent combo of lightweight construction, stunning design, and engaging driving dynamics keep it a favorite among enthusiasts. The RX-7’s aftermarket scene is thriving, with countless modifications available to make it even more potent.  RX-7 mods are so prevalent that it’s become rare to see an totally factory original example anymore.

Owning one today, however, requires a certain level of commitment. These cars demand meticulous maintenance, a steady supply of high-quality oil, and, in many cases, a wallet ready for the inevitable engine rebuild. If you’re willing to put in the effort though, few 1990s cars offer a driving experience as rewarding as the RX7.

So, Japanese car lovers, what are your thoughts on the 1993 Mazda RX-7? Dream car? Money pit? Maybe both? Have you owned one, or do you plan to? Drop a comment below!